The Beginnings

In the beginnings there were mountains, then there were mountain goats, then there were adventure racers.

In 1989 the Grand Traverse launched adventure racing into orbit. The initial race the first of the Raid Gaulois series was followed by races that have become household names worldwide: Eco-Challenge, Southern Traverse and Primal Quest. In New Zealand the sport has spread through the ARROW 24hr series and increasingly through niche 24hr events: ARC, Whakatane, 1020, Rollos and CP 24.

With big costs associated with the gear and entry for races, there have not been many younger athletes who have had the opportunity to undertake the challenge of adventure racing. Notable exceptions have being Aaron Prince who won the Southern Traverse while in his teens, Dan Dollimore who was competitive in the same race and Anna Berthelsen who placed 3rd in the Adventure Racing World Champs this year aged 25.

These athletes have proved that young people can be competitive in the sport if given a chance, and that they bring enthusiasm, vibrancy and mental toughness with them. A group of experienced adventure racers, centred around the MADeventz team have decided that they would like to give more young people a chance to compete at a high level of adventure racing.

The VASQUE U23's have been set up to provide inspiration and a goal for talented young adventure racers coming through the Hillary Challenge, and other pathways, who are looking ahead for future opportunities in the sport.

A sponsorship package has been arranged that will be handed over to the team when selected. As well a group of experienced racers is being formed to keep an eye on the team and give them advice as they become established. It is anticipated that the team will become self sufficent, learning the skills in logisitics and sponsor management necessary to become the world beaters of the future.

Individuals once selected may stay in the team, performance dependant, until they are 24 on the 1st of January of a given year. After which replacements will be selected.

Those interested in training for adventure racing and perhaps being part of the Vasque U23's should the opportunity arise in the future should contact Jamie at MADeventz@gmail.com


© MADeventz	www.madeventz.co.nz